Noteworthy: Pucci recently deployed as a Southwestern Pennsylvania American Red Cross volunteer to Preston County, W.Va., where she assisted in relief operations following Hurricane Sandy. After helping three other volunteers create the shelter at the Kingwood Civic Center, Pucci managed the cooking and distribution of more than 500 meals daily.
Age: 31
Residence: Bethel Park
Family: Father, Michael, 57, and mother, Patricia, 59
Occupation: A former United Nations humanitarian worker in Afghanistan, she edits several publications in Arabic and serves as an advocate for the nonprofit Alliance for International Women's Rights.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in political science and anthropology in 2004 and a master's degree in Public and International Affairs in 2011 from the University of Pittsburgh
Background: Pucci, a longtime volunteer for civic causes, enlisted for Red Cross training in 2005.
Quote: “We received a tip about a man who hadn't been seen by his neighbors in several days. When we went to check on him, he was very hesitant and seemed reluctant to accept help. We invited him to come to the shelter for food and a warm bed, and, much to my surprise, he showed up later that day. From that day on, the man came to the shelter every day to help out.”
